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Teachers Teaching Tech Educators in Four Rural Western States to Start Teaching Computer Science Curriculum in Upcoming Academic Year

July 26th, 2018

Missoula, Mont. (PRWEB) – Teachers Teaching Tech, an America Campaign initiative in partnership with Technology & Innovation in Education and Code.org, trained 118 middle and high school educators in Phoenix, AZ this week. This unique training program will bring computer science to schools throughout Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota and South Dakota in the upcoming 2018 - 2019 academic year.

Teachers from every corner of the four-state region, representing both rural and urban school districts were accepted earlier this year into this dynamic training program. With a variety of teachers attending, some school districts had teachers from both middle and high school levels that went through the training, earning them the benefit of a larger K-12 pipeline of computer science opportunities.

“Ultimately, we want our students to be critical thinkers and problem solvers so that they can fully participate in an ever-changing society. This curriculum teaches these skills in the context of something students see and use everyday (computers) while also preparing them for life outside the classroom. It also completely busts the myth that computer science is for boys only. Students of all backgrounds will discover a previously hidden passion for designing websites, creating animations, making games, and solving tomorrow’s problems today,” said Steve Quenell from Kalispell, a participant and a newly trained regional facilitator.

Tammie Foley, an educator from White River, South Dakota, said “TeacherCon2018 has been the highlight of my teaching career. Never before have I felt so respected, supported and encouraged as a teacher. I feel better prepared than in any other time in my career to help my students step into the future.”

“Computer Science should be looked at as a fundamental skill set necessary for future student success.” said America Campaign’s Director of K-12 Programs Lander Bachert, “These educators are taking the initiative to make sure the 21st century needs of their students are met, and should be commended for their hard work, dedication and educational tenacity.”

Over 90 school districts from the Teachers Teaching Tech region were represented at this momentous training, a clear indicator of the motivation of districts and educators in these particularly rural states.

“I’m excited to offer a Computer Science class at the middle school level this upcoming year. More and more industries are moving towards or already using more technology. Whether they are thinking about a technical career or not, students need a basic understanding of how computers function and how they can use CS to design and create,” Colstrip Educator Don Asbury said. “We want to get our students started at an earlier age and to provide them with an excellent opportunity for them to advance in the future.”

“Our Teachers Teaching Tech program was launched in the summer of 2016 in response to a lack of K-12 Computer Science educator professional development in Montana. As the program grew, we partnered with Technology & Innovation in Education from South Dakota and now represent a region that includes North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming. We are proud that in less than a year we have already trained over 60 elementary, middle and high school teachers in Computer Science.” said Founder and CEO, Devin B. Holmes. “Guided by our #CS4Rural strategy and expanding the Teachers Teaching Tech program into North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming this year, we are proud to be bringing innovative computer science training programs to our neighboring states.”

The program started July 23rd with a five-day conference in Phoenix followed by online self-paced resources, four weekend workshops during the academic year, and in-state computer science community building.

About the America Campaign & Teachers Teaching Tech
Teachers Teaching Tech is an initiative of the America Campaign, a national non-profit founded in 2009 by serial entrepreneur and philanthropist, Devin B. Holmes, working to improve the lives of all Americans through technology, education and the arts. Along with its Montana Code Girls, Code Rangers, Big Sky Code Academy and Code4Philanthropy initiatives, the America Campaign is focused on developing innovative technology focused solutions that create positive impact. Teachers Teaching Tech grew to build a partnership with TIE in Rapid City, SD to better meet the needs of the growing region.